Toyota to Strengthen Visual Identities of Japanese Dealers

Tokyo ― TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today plans to strengthen the visual identities of its "Toyota," "Toyopet" and "Toyota Corolla" dealer channels in Japan, as well as to enhance customer satisfaction measures at all domestic Toyota-brand dealer channels, including its "Netz" channel, based on Toyota's "customer first" policy.

The visual identities of the "Toyota", "Toyopet" and "Toyota Corolla" dealers are to be strengthened by revamping interior and exterior signage to match the characteristics of each channel and clearly convey such characteristics to customers. The signage will feature redesigned channel logos, using colors and materials specific to each channel. A three-dimensional Toyota logo and other elements will be used to bolster overall visual impact. Attention will also be paid to the environment, through the use of signage that uses less electricity.

At the same time, each channel will be centered on a different genre of vehicle and, in accordance, showroom design and policies will be tailored to underline such differences and their respective characteristics. Specifically, the "Toyota" channel will be positioned as the Toyota-brand's luxury channel, the "Toyopet" channel will deal mainly in mid-size vehicles, the "Toyota Corolla" channel will focus on "compact vehicles" and the "Netz" channel will center on vehicle models with a "unique presence".

Also, this year marks the "Toyota" channel's 60th anniversary, the "Toyopet" channel's 50th anniversary and the 40th year since the launch of the original Toyota Corolla model (sold through the "Toyota Corolla" channel). In line with this, each channel will develop initiatives to meet customer needs, including providing distinctive yet affordable "special edition" vehicle models and enhancing various services.

Meanwhile, in addition to the channel-based initiatives, in order to further enhance customer satisfaction activities, TMC will promote a number of measures in close cooperation with dealers, including initiatives related to an online vehicle maintenance information network and the 40th anniversary of Toyota's rental/lease dealers.

Today's announcement is part of TMC's new product and distribution strategy to rebuild its brand channels to precisely respond to changing customer values and to changes in the structure of the fiercely competitive market in Japan. This new product and distribution strategy includes last year's introduction of the Lexus brand in Japan and the earlier setting up of new Netz dealers, in addition to the new efforts to clarify the identities of the "Toyota", "Toyopet" and "Toyota Corolla" channels. The strategy calls for providing ample explanations of products within each brand channel and excellent after-sales service to strengthen response to consumers with various values.

TMC will continue to implement policies that clarify the characteristics of its brand channels, including the Lexus brand, and to precisely respond to the varying needs of its wide range of customers.